Local Community Garden

With their dedication to serve the community paired with superior teamwork, the Boise Police Academy came out to help the IRC Refugee Community Gardeners get ready for the 2010 season.  Deputy Steve Kelch, nine of his classmates and their instructor made a dynamic team; working from early morning to late afternoon.  Their enthusiasm led to completing all the rigorous tasks needed to start planting! 
The IRC Refugee Gardens two locations provide nutritious food choices for several refugee communities at risk.  This project has been a success this year due to the location and the family friendly atmosphere.  On location is a free daycare where children play and learn English, along with food preparation and English classes for the adults.  A food pantry onsite allows for parents to pick up other household items needed. This plot of raised beds is donated by Mountain View Fellowship- Pastor Mamie Oliver and sponsored by Zamzows, a local garden shop.   It serves refugees from both the African community and a small group of Uzbek women.  The second plot was donated by St. Stephens Episcopal Church and is sponsored by Boise East Rotary Club.  The Rotary group is committed to providing seedlings and gardening tools.  Refugees from Burma and Bhutan have been allocated space in the plot.